WESTCOAST GARY FASCHA DQ - 850

G 0 START 1 input 0->1 160 You: "Gary, do you know how to turn back time?" 1->160 2 You: "Okay, I'm convinced. What's our next step?" 55 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Well, first we'd need to secure funding for an expedition, then assemble a team, gather supplies... There's probably a million other little things, but with the resources of the RCM behind you..." He shrugs. "It could be feasible." 2->55 3 You: "By seeking answers from behind the veil, from the void?" 103 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 3->103 4 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 5 IsKimHere() 4->5 6 !(IsKimHere()) 4->6 153 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_seolite_master_bad_material"] 5->153 156 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"]  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] 6->156 7 Reaction Speed: And he glanced! 8 Gary, the Cryptofascist: He clears his throat and continues. "That's actually peas, nothing, no amount of corporate espionage would ever would ever put them *so far* ahead of everyone else..." 7->8 78 Logic: You're underestimating corporate espionage, Gary. 8->78 9 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Could be, could easily be." He nods enthusiastically, shooting a quick glance at the lieutenant. "I mean it definitely *helps*, but the market alone? I don't buy it..." 57 Untitled hub (15) 9->57 10 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "*Exactly*, officer." He leans in closer. "The Seolites are helping themselves from the future. And every little incremental improvement they receive in the present has *major* ripples all along the timeline..." 186 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "That creates a loop, right? The more advanced tech they send here, the more advanced they become in the future, which means that by smuggling ever more advanced tech down to the past... I'm sure you can see where this is heading." 10->186 11 You: "You know what? That's enough for me." 306 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"]  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] 11->306 12 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "No-no..." He laughs nervously. "There's a discrepancy between how these Semenese tribes count and how they tell time." 281 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "As I explained, they count up to 12 on their fingers, but they divide the day into 15 parts. But that's a whole other discussion..." 12->281 13 Jump to: [coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech && ...] 314 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"]  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"] 13->314 14 You: "How, then?" 50 Jump to: [Gary, the Cryptofascist: ""Isn't it obvious? *Someone's* been..."] 14->50 15 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "It gets even scarier. You see, the Semper Maa has also evolved a curious defensive mechanism. When threatened, it has the ability to revert back to an earlier stage in its own lifecycle. It may even be able to do this *continually*, ad infinitium..." 254 Half Light: So the scary sentient mud is also immortal? That's good news. 15->254 16 You: "Just... please, Kim, trust me on this." 337 Kim Kitsuragi: "Fine." He opens his notebook and starts leafing through the pages. "Just make it quick. We need to get back to our case." 16->337 17 You: "Gary, are you wasting my time right now?" 181 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "No, no, not at all... You see, the Semper Maa has also evolved a curious defensive mechanism. When threatened, it has the ability to revert back to an earlier stage in its own lifecycle. It may even be able to do this *continually*, ad infinitium..." 17->181 18 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "It's true that every expedition up to now has failed, and that several have *vanished* without a trace, but the potential is there, officer. It just can't be denied..." 54 Logic: Oh, yes it can. Easily. 18->54 19 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Assuming you survive the encounter... But that's way down the line of course..." 19->2 76 You: "This sounds like a dead end to me, Gary." 19->76 20 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 21 IsKimHere() 20->21 22 !(IsKimHere()) 20->22 218 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Absolutely!" He nods enthusiastically, shooting a quick glance at the lieutenant. "That definitely *helps*, but that alone? I don't buy it..." 21->218 324 Gary, the Cryptofascist: The man forces out an unpleasant and artificial laugh. "C'mon, officer, you *know* that's not it. No way!" 22->324 23 Logic: There's no such thing as blaasma-powered weaponry, because there's no such thing as 'blaasma.' 36 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "But that's nothing. Just wait till you learn *how* they've managed to get so far ahead of us..." 23->36 24 Kim Kitsuragi: "Oh, people *are* noticing, Gary. They've probably *dispatched* a team already." The pen in the lieutenant's hand glides on the rough paper of his notebook. 25 Kim Kitsuragi: "Not to the present, of course, to past-Gary. They prefer to deal with problems before they become *unmanageable*. Just something to think about." 24->25 223 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Hahaha..." His laughter is quick and nervous. "I mean I'm basically just repeating what I heard on 'Truth Hunt' or read in 'Paradox B.' I'm just a messenger, and not even that, really!" 25->223 26 You: "Gary, you're putting images in my head and I don't like it." 262 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Hey, don't blame me, officer." He puts his hands up. "These are barbaric people and barbaric times we're talking about. Dark magic." 26->262 27 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Though I suppose this still doesn't help *you* manipulate time personally. Perhaps you should consider digital castigation?" 330 Jump to: [Sub-main-hub (with a side-salad)] 27->330 28 You: "It *will* make sense, I promise." 28->337 29 Rhetoric: A question for an answer, huh? The answer must be really obvious. 51 Untitled hub (06) 29->51 30 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "I don't know what to tell you, officer. I got all my information straight from 'Truth Hunt'. If you can't believe a radio programme called 'Truth Hunt', who *can* you believe?" 195 Logic: Anyone whose livelihood isn't predicated on creating and maintaining preposterous mysteries? 30->195 31 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "*Cryptids*, actually. It's a so-called 'colonial animal', presenting as a large singular body, when in actuality, it's a congregation of tiny organisms working in unison." 196 Inland Empire: What if *you* only appear as a large singular body, are actually a congregation of tiny organisms working in unison? 31->196 32 You: "Seems like a dick move." 32->19 33 You: "By developing an aesthetics of pure functionality, separated from traditional notions of beauty?" 168 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 33->168 34 You: "Wait, so how did they start the loop in the first place?" 221 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Now *that* is a paradox," he smiles an all-knowing smile, like he just explained everything. 34->221 35 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "You think that's crazy, just wait till you learn *how* they've managed to get so far ahead of us..." 35->14 36->14 37 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "I'm telling you," he nods confidently. "The truth can't be contained, people are starting to wake up and take notice." 37->4 38 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "... by about 4.5 seconds." 111 Untitled hub (11) 38->111 39 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Oh..." He looks surprised. "Well, there's still the Semper Maa to consider." 265 Jump to: [Sub-main-hub (with a side-salad)] 39->265 40 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "But then, there are rumours going around that the Seolites have developed a technology that allows them to move through time like it's a corridor. Back and forth, you see." 340 Logic: No. They haven't. 40->340 41 Encyclopedia: 'Truth Hunt' is a popular radio programme. Each week, its two eccentric hosts explore a variety of topics, from cryptids and conspiracy theories to ethnic warfare and the 'historical' Man from Hjelmdall. A radio counterpart to the Graadian fringe science magazine 'Paradox B'. 176 Endurance: This guy has proved to be a dead end. (A dissatisfied growl in you abdomen.) But the hard endure and the true kingsman keeps searching. 'Vaillance,' brööder, the night is darkest before the dawn. 41->176 42 You: "I asked you about temporal manipulation, not mud." 145 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "I'm getting there, officer." He smiles. "You see, the Semper Maa has also evolved a curious defensive mechanism. When threatened, it has the ability to revert back to an earlier stage in its own lifecycle. It may even be able to do this *continually*, ad infinitum..." 42->145 43 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_faschist_dq_pain_tresh_diving_suit_of_pain"] 44 Variable["coast.gary_faschist_dq_pain_tresh_diving_suit_of_pain"] 43->44 45 !(Variable["coast.gary_faschist_dq_pain_tresh_diving_suit_of_pain"]) 43->45 255 Untitled hub (13) 44->255 144 Half Light: Like an exo-skeleton powered by fear. 45->144 46 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Sure, the Seolites are hard workers, everyone knows that..." He quickly glances at the lieutenant again. "But hard work alone? I don't buy it..." 46->57 47 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "I've personally never witnessed a Seolite commit corporate espionage," he says, determined not to glance at the lieutenant. "*However* there are rumours, articles, respected opinions..." 47->7 48 Jump to: [Sub-main-hub (with a side-salad)] 338 Sub-main-hub (with a side-salad) 48->338 49 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "And speaking personally, arranging an expedition seems like the most promising option overall, so I'm not really sure what else to tell you..." 108 Jump to: [Sub-main-hub (with a side-salad)] 49->108 58 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Isn't it obvious? *Someone's* been feeding them a little trickle of tech down from someplace *no-one* else can reach..." 50->58 52 You: "I don't joke around about time, Gary." (Stare at him intently.) 51->52 71 You: "Yes, Gary. A trick. Now humour me." 51->71 236 You: "I'm all out of tricks, Gary. Tell me what you know." 51->236 237 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Phew..." He scratches his head. "I don't know what to tell you. I mean of course there are *theories* out there..." 52->237 53 Esprit de Corps: He seems to have an unrealistic idea of the RCM's budget and manpower... 164 You: "That would take forever! Isn't there just like a pill I could take or something...?" 53->164 197 You: "I don't think the RCM is gonna go for it, Gary." 53->197 207 You: "Hmmm, what else have you got?" 53->207 54->314 55->53 56 Pain Threshold: Like a diving suit powered by pain. 320 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_faschist_dq_pain_tresh_diving_suit_of_pain"] 56->320 274 You: "Wait, what kind of technological advantages are we talking about?" 57->274 323 You: "What's their secret, then?" 57->323 59 You: "From the pale?" 58->59 200 You: "From the future?" 58->200 206 You: "That secret inaccessible bunker near Land's End!?" 58->206 240 You: "From the blue door in the Whirling!?" 58->240 219 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "No, why would they be... No, I'm talking about *the future*! The Seolites are helping themselves from the future. And every little incremental improvement they receive in the present has *major* ripples all along the timeline..." 59->219 60 Half Light: Cannibalism? 60->57 61 You: "That's crazy, man." 61->35 63 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Essentially it's a grief ritual practiced by some old kipt tribes. Traditionally, after the death of a village leader, the bereaved are supposed to cut off a segment of their own fingers..." 244 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "The really sick bit is that they bite off bits of their *children's* fingers too. Even babies." He frowns. "Imagine that." 63->244 64 Half Light: Yes, *imagine* it! 80 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_halflight_imagine_digicastigation"] 64->80 65 Jump to: [coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech && ...] 65->306 66 Composure: Because he's only now discovering he has no idea what he's talking about. 66->36 67 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Do I know how to turn back time...?" He gives you a sideways glance. "Is that a trick question?" 285 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["plaza.fascha_dq_asked_someone_the_q"] 67->285 68 Untitled hub 234 You: "What's wrong? Material not good enough to send back to your Seolite masters?" 68->234 334 You: "Yes. This is important." 68->334 335 You: "No...?" 68->335 69 Untitled hub (04) 317 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Make what quick?" He shrugs. "You're asking me about time travel. Is this some kind of a trick?" 69->317 70 You: "Potentially more important than *anything* ever before." 235 Kim Kitsuragi: "No," the lieutenant replies with a sigh and opens his notebook. "It really isn't. Just please make it quick, so we can get back to our low-priority murder case." 70->235 71->237 72 Inland Empire: The further out, the better. 136 You: "What kind of theories are we talking about here?" 72->136 73 You: "What about something pale-related, any theories?" 342 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Pale-related..." he repeats and pauses to think. "An interesting idea, but I can't say anything really comes to mind, no." 73->342 74 You: "I'm not sure these are realistic options." (Conclude.) "Gary, *none* of these sound like realistic options." (Conclude.) 74->30 75 Volition: If it were true those organisms would *not* be working *in unison*. 95 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_volition_unison"] 75->95 109 Jump to: [Gary, the Cryptofascist: ""It's true that every expedition up..."] 76->109 77 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "... and attack it over and over again, you could theoretically punch your way back to the Franconigerian era!" 77->56 78->57 79 Jump to: [Sub-main-hub (with a side-salad)] 79->338 81 Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_halflight_imagine_digicastigation"] 80->81 82 !(Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_halflight_imagine_digicastigation"]) 80->82 175 Conceptualization: Small hut, pregnant with screams of anguish and terror. The lowered head of the mother as she gnaws at the child's joint. Chewing, screams, agony. Finally there's a tiny crunch, followed by the sound of weeping. 81->175 226 Encyclopedia: Please note: Tales of digital mutilation are a common trope of racist pseudo-histories, completely unsubstantiated by the archaeological record... 82->226 83 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "That old thing...? No, *the future*. The Seolites are helping themselves from the future. And every little incremental improvement they receive in the present has *major* ripples all along the timeline..." 83->186 84 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Listen, there's no problem, officer. There's still the Semper Maa to consider, as well as this advanced Seolite technology." 84->265 85 Kim Kitsuragi: "Make it quick," remarks the lieutenant dryly and opens his notebook. "And the question was rhetorical, not a trick." 85->69 86 Jump to: [Untitled hub (06)] 86->51 87 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 88 IsKimHere() 87->88 89 !(IsKimHere()) 87->89 269 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "And then you hear rumours..." He flashes a quick side-glance at the lieutenant. "... that the Seolites possess technology that actually lets them move through time like it's a corridor. Back and forth, you see." 88->269 89->40 90 Reaction Speed: The lieutenant stops writing in his notebook for a moment. It's only a fraction of a second, but you catch it. 90->338 91 You: "What's this 'digital castigation'?" 303 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 91->303 92 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_inland_congregation_of_organisms"] 93 Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_inland_congregation_of_organisms"] 92->93 94 !(Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_inland_congregation_of_organisms"]) 92->94 291 Physical Instrument: Get out of here, dreamer! Don't you think we'd know about it? 93->291 123 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "It's found in the subtropical jungles of Samara. Extremely difficult to spot as it appears to the untrained eye like common mud. It's thought to be impossible to catch and *very* dangerous." 94->123 96 Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_volition_unison"] 95->96 97 !(Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_volition_unison"]) 95->97 344 Endurance: That's because some them just don't have the best interests of the colony in mind. 96->344 97->123 98 You: "How dangerous is it?" 99 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "I once heard a story about a whole village disappearing overnight, without a trace. Can you imagine that?" He shakes his head. "Just a large patch of mud where the settlement was." 98->99 100 You: "Yes, vividly." 99->100 101 You: (Scoff.) "I've seen the sky cry blood while everything turns to vapour. I think I can manage, Gary." 99->101 110 You: "No, I'm sorry, but I can't." 99->110 162 You: "I don't *want* to imagine that." 99->162 345 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Whole area is completely abandoned now. Locals won't even go near it. They swear the mud writhes and occasionally grows strange shapes." 100->345 294 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Ahm..." He's so surprised he even forgets to close his mouth. "That's... yes, that's also horrible. I mean in a much grander scale. Exactly what happened to that village." 101->294 102 Kim Kitsuragi: "No part of *me* is part of *this* conversation. Oh, no." The lieutenant keeps his eyes fixed on his notebook. "That's a special thing you two are enjoying. With each other." 114 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Everything's cool. Nothing wrong with a little speculative inquiry." The man shrugs awkwardly. "But really, officer, how *do* you explain how the Seolites developed such a lead over the rest of us?" 102->114 104 IsKimHere() 103->104 105 !(IsKimHere()) 103->105 104->47 256 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "From the void?" He gives you an intent look and crosses his arms. "I don't think that's it. I think there's a *much* more sinister explanation..." 105->256 106 You: "What does any of this have to do with turning back time, Gary?" 225 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "I'm getting there. See, the practice is derived from Semenese finger counting. Each segment of the finger represents one hour, so they count up to 12 with one hand, disregarding the thumb, of course." 106->225 107 Untitled hub (02) 117 You: "So you're saying if I cut off both my hands I can go back to yesterday?" 107->117 280 You: "None of this is helpful, Gary." 107->280 108->338 109->18 110->345 111->2 111->76 319 You: "Hang on, I *still* don't see how this immortal mud monster is gonna help me turn back time." 111->319 112 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Well..." His eyes instinctively dart to the lieutenant before he continues *sotto voce*: "How else did they get so far ahead of everyone in the tech-race?" 166 Untitled hub (14) 112->166 113 You: "I'm sure they have a strong central government keeping things running smoothly." 298 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 113->298 147 Composure: He's *really* trying to convey how cool and natural this all is for him. 114->147 115 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Officer, wake up." The man snaps his fingers in front of your face. "No *way* that's the reason why they're winning the race!" 115->57 116 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Oh, you know like... uhm..." He exhales loudly and continues to massage his neck. "Stealth aerostatics, blaasma-powered weaponry, all kinds of deep-secret projects..." 116->23 258 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 117->258 118 Conceptualization: In truth, these sound more like scenes from some old fantastique novel, the product of the author's fevered imagination rather than reality. 118->11 118->106 119 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 120 IsKimHere() 119->120 121 !(IsKimHere()) 119->121 179 Kim Kitsuragi: "I concur, detective," the lieutenant interjects without looking up from his notes. "It's completely *unfeasible*." 120->179 121->18 122 Jump to: [Logic: "Oh, yes it can. Easily."] 122->54 123->98 270 You: "Wait, it looks like mud?" 123->270 124 Conceptualization: To be able to revert back to a previous version of yourself, to the one before all the mistakes... that's why we're here! 124->38 125 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 126 IsKimHere() 125->126 127 !(IsKimHere()) 125->127 126->9 171 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Officer," he says with confidence, "the average consumer is a moron. Leave it to them and we'd all be living in fake-bamboo huts, burning carcinogenic incense and playing the bongos. No way that's the reason!" 127->171 128 Untitled hub (16) 128->34 129 You: "Then we have already lost." (Look down at your clenched fist.) 128->129 151 You: "Yes, that's the only explanation that makes sense." 128->151 187 You: "Gary, that's insane. You are an insane man, sick in the head." 128->187 217 You: "You lost me there with the loop. 128->217 132 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "I don't know officer... I think Future-Revachol might also have a few aces up its own sleeve. The people are starting to wake up, you see." 129->132 130 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Permission to laugh, officer?" He rolls his eyes. "No way, I don't buy it..." 130->57 131 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "I can tell you it isn't something easy and immediately obvious, that's for sure. No way, that would be too easy..." 131->57 132->4 133 Pain Threshold: Agonizing pain... 133->226 134 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "No-no..." He laughs nervously. "There's a discrepancy between how the kipts count and how they tell time." 134->281 135 You: "Gary, you owe me at least a finger or two for all my time you've wasted." 313 Jump to: [coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech && ...] 135->313 339 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Well, there's a very interesting cryptid known as the Semper Maa. And a certain tribe of ancient kipts who practiced 'digital castigation,' though frankly I don't know how *compelling* you'll find that theory..." 136->339 137 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] == false  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"] == true 138 Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] == false  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"] == true 137->138 139 !(Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] == false  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"] == true) 137->139 138->39 139->84 140 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] == true  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"]  == false 141 Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] == true  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"]  == false 140->141 142 !(Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] == true  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"]  == false) 140->142 141->27 246 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] == false  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"]  == true 142->246 143 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Well, if you *cover yourself* in it first, *then* attack it, you could theoretically basically punch your way back to the Franconigerian era!" 143->56 144->255 145->254 146 You: "By funnelling a larger percentage of their country's budget to research?" 146->20 147->3 147->33 147->113 147->146 167 You: "By all joining in solidarity, everyone doing their part to keep the big machine moving?" 147->167 198 You: "By letting the free market dictate the course of technological progress?" 147->198 199 You: "Isolation obviously, keeping Seol for Seolites. Very motivating." 147->199 215 You: "Strange, I don't have a clue." 147->215 297 You: "By working longer and harder than *everyone* else?" 147->297 148 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 149 IsKimHere() 148->149 150 !(IsKimHere()) 148->150 152 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "I don't know... Sounds a bit *incestuous* to me, but sure -- none of my business, I'm not a Seolite." He quickly glances at the lieutenant. "But no way *that's* the reason they're winning the race..." 149->152 216 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Sure, they got the place locked down tighter than a Himean asshole, but that alone?" He's shaking his head. "No way, I don't buy it..." 150->216 151->37 172 Rhetoric: Oh, trying to keep only one type of people around you is suddenly 'incestuous', Gary? 152->172 154 Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_seolite_master_bad_material"] 153->154 155 !(Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_seolite_master_bad_material"]) 153->155 154->24 328 Reaction Speed: You notice the lieutenant flinch and rub his forehead as if hit by a sudden migraine. 155->328 157 Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"]  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] 156->157 158 !(Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"]  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"]) 156->158 177 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Unfortunately, I suppose this *still* doesn't help *you* manipulate time personally." He shrugs. "Sorry about that." 157->177 158->140 159 You: "Terrifying..." 159->15 160->67 161 Jump to: [mainhub] 5330221 JUMP OUT to WESTCOAST / GARY 161->5330221 162->345 163 Authority: Jungles, villages, mud... he better not be wasting your time. 271 Untitled hub (10) 163->271 295 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "I haven't really heard of any time-travel pills, officer..." He rubs his chin, thinking. 164->295 165 You: "So if I *attack* this sentient mud..." 165->143 166->3 166->33 166->113 166->146 166->167 166->198 166->199 166->215 239 You: "Yeah, how *did* you guys get so far ahead?" (Turn to the lieutenant.) 166->239 166->297 167->20 169 IsKimHere() 168->169 170 !(IsKimHere()) 168->170 301 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "You know, I don't think that's it." He shakes his head. "I bet there's plenty of beauty over there, art and inspiration too, but that's not why they're winning..." 169->301 202 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Save it for the phyrro-heads," he says with a dismissive hand-wave. "No *way* that's the reason!" 170->202 171->57 172->57 173 Logic: Within this self-contained logic-bubble, -- a loop -- he is not wrong. 173->128 174 Half Light: Mmmm... the most beautiful smell in the world, fear. 174->79 175->133 263 Jump to: [mainhub] 176->263 177->330 178 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "And personally, it seems more civilised than, say, digital castigation, but to each his own." 178->108 189 Empathy: His voice betrays relief, he really didn't want to have to argue with you over this. 179->189 180 Kim Kitsuragi: "I'm not going to dignify that with an answer." The lieutenant's voice is cold and official as he opens his notebook. "Make it quick, we're in the middle of a murder investigation." 180->69 181->254 182 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Now, here's where it gets *really interesting*. It's believed that the mechanism by which the Semper Maa reverts actually reverses the flow of time itself..." 182->124 183 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 184 IsKimHere() 183->184 185 !(IsKimHere()) 183->185 184->46 185->130 186->173 275 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Hey man..." he spreads his arms wide. "No one likes to hear it, but I'm not here to give you a false sense of security. It is what it is. People are starting to wake up and take notice." 187->275 188 Drama: He's just discovered that he can't think of any examples, though. 188->61 242 You: "Give me some examples, Gary." 188->242 243 You: "You're right, I can't even begin to imagine what you're talking about." 188->243 189->18 190 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 191 IsKimHere() 190->191 192 !(IsKimHere()) 190->192 267 Kim Kitsuragi: The lieutenant crosses his arms and turns to look at you. 191->267 192->29 193 Kim Kitsuragi: "More important than our murder investigation?" 193->70 253 You: "Now *that's* a trick question, right Gary?" (Wink at him.) 193->253 336 You: "I guess not." 193->336 194 Rhetoric: He gave you a question for an answer. Must mean the answer's obvious. 194->51 195->41 196->92 197->119 198->125 199->148 200->10 201 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Like clockwork, I'm sure, no doubt about it. But is that *really* enough to take such an astronomical lead? I don't think so..." 201->57 202->57 203 Esprit de Corps: God I hope he meant it sarcastically. If not, I don't really see how he can continue being a police detective. 203->156 204 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "What makes it really disturbing is the fact that they bite off bits of their *children's* fingers too. Even babies." He frowns. "Imagine that." 204->64 205 You: "This wouldn't help me even if it was *remotely* believable." 205->313 206->83 351 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Listen, officer. I know it sounds like quite the task, but the potential, it just can't be denied..." 207->351 208 Kim Kitsuragi: "No?" he asks, surprised. "Because I could've sworn that's what you're doing right now." 208->16 208->28 209 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_electrochemistry_more_motivated"] 210 Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_electrochemistry_more_motivated"] 209->210 211 !(Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_electrochemistry_more_motivated"]) 209->211 292 Perception (Hearing): Shut up, we can't hear what he's saying! 210->292 211->123 212 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 213 IsKimHere() 212->213 214 !(IsKimHere()) 212->214 213->112 238 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Oh, definitely!" He nod and repeats. "Definitely. How else did they get so far ahead of everyone in the tech-race?" 214->238 215->131 216->57 217->275 218->57 219->186 220 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Believe me, it's there. Technology so advanced it defies description..." He's avoiding your gaze. 220->66 222 Encyclopedia: A statement, seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense, and yet perhaps true. Or perhaps not. 221->222 222->129 222->151 222->187 257 You: "You lost me there with the paradox." 222->257 329 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "And I suppose none of this would help *you* manipulate time personally, in any case. So why don't we just forget this whole business?" 223->329 224 Untitled hub 224->11 224->26 224->106 227 You: "I don't know, this sounds made up to me." 224->227 279 Reaction Speed: Absolute nonsense across the board. 225->279 226->224 264 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Hey, you asked me, officer." He puts his hands up. "These are barbaric people and barbaric times we're talking about. Dark magic." 227->264 228 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "That said, if you're interested in manipulating time *personally*, I suggest you consider the Semper Maa or digial castigation." 228->330 229 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Though I suppose this still doesn't help *you* manipulate time personally. Perhaps you should consider the Semper Maa?" 229->330 230 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"] == false  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"] == true 231 Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"] == false  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"] == true 230->231 232 !(Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"] == false  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"] == true) 230->232 231->178 284 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "And personally, it seems easier than accessing deep-secret Seolite technology and more civilised than digital castigation, but to each his own." 232->284 233 Jump to: [Gary, the Cryptofascist: ""Do I know how to turn back time......"] 233->67 234->180 235->69 236->237 237->72 238->166 239->102 241 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "The blue...? No, *the future*. The Seolites are helping themselves from the future. And every little incremental improvement they receive in the present has *major* ripples all along the timeline..." 240->241 241->186 242->116 243->220 244->64 245 Encyclopedia: Tropes of fantastique literature combined with mundane racial prejudice -- this is what the term 'pseudo-history' was invented to describe. 245->11 245->106 247 Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] == false  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"]  == true 246->247 248 !(Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] == false  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"]  == true) 246->248 247->229 248->228 249 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"] == true  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"] == false 250 Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"] == true  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"] == false 249->250 251 !(Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"] == true  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"] == false) 249->251 266 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "And personally, it seems easier than, say, accessing deep-secret Seolite technology, but to each his own." 250->266 251->230 252 Kim Kitsuragi: "Are you *still* pursuing this?" The lieutenant gives you a tired look. 252->68 268 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Ugh... yeah, yeah. I guess." He shrugs, looking confused. 253->268 254->182 255->32 273 You: "There's balance in nature, Gary. Man was not meant to play god." 255->273 296 You: "Very well. This Semper Maa will pull my ox-cart through the ages." 255->296 256->60 257->275 259 IsKimHere() 258->259 260 !(IsKimHere()) 258->260 259->12 260->134 261 Logic: One you absolutely don't have time for. Let's be done with this idiocy. 261->135 261->205 282 You: "I guess I have to keep looking..." 261->282 262->118 263->5330221 264->245 265->338 266->108 288 Esprit de Corps: You'd better be going somewhere case-related with this. 267->288 268->85 269->90 343 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Yes, it blends in with the jungle floor. Unsurprisingly, it's become the subject of many local myths -- some have even described it as an angry forest spirit or a manifestation of the forest itself." 270->343 271->17 271->42 271->159 272 Conceptualization: Like a submarine fuelled by suffering. 272->43 273->19 302 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Come on, officer, everybody knows about it." He rubs the back of his head, looking down. "The stuff they've got, most people here can't even *dream* of it..." 274->302 276 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 275->276 277 IsKimHere() 276->277 278 !(IsKimHere()) 276->278 325 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_seolite_master_bad_material"] 277->325 278->156 350 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "By removing one segment from their fingers, they remove the corresponding hour from their life -- that's what they believe, anyway." 279->350 280->65 281->261 282->313 283 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Oh..." He looks surprised. "Well, this is embarrassing, but I'm really not sure what else to tell you..." 283->265 284->108 286 Variable["plaza.fascha_dq_asked_someone_the_q"] 285->286 287 !(Variable["plaza.fascha_dq_asked_someone_the_q"]) 285->287 331 Gary, the Cryptofascist: IsKimHere() 286->331 287->190 288->194 289 Kim Kitsuragi: "In that case please make it extra quick, so we can get back to it," says the lieutenant and opens his notebook. "I mean it." 289->69 290 You: "Tell me about this cryptid, the Semper Maa." 290->31 291->75 292->123 293 Electrochemistry: Hey, maybe if the rest of you took a chill-pill every now and then, they'd be more motivated? 293->209 318 Shivers: This event will be beyond all scales. 294->318 295->13 296->19 297->183 299 IsKimHere() 298->299 300 !(IsKimHere()) 298->300 299->201 300->115 301->57 302->188 304 IsKimHere() 303->304 305 !(IsKimHere()) 303->305 349 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Well," he glances at the lieutenant. "Essentially it's a grief ritual practiced by certain ancient Semenese tribes. Traditionally, after the death of a village leader, the bereaved are supposed to cut off a segment of their own fingers..." 304->349 305->63 307 Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"]  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] 306->307 308 !(Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"]  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"]) 306->308 307->283 309 Gary, the Cryptofascist: Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] == true  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"] == false 308->309 310 Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] == true  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"] == false 309->310 311 !(Variable["coast.gary_discussed_semper_maa"] == true  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"] == false) 309->311 312 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Oh..." He looks surprised. "Well, I suppose there's still the deep-secret Seolite technology to consider." 310->312 311->137 312->265 313->306 315 Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"]  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"] 314->315 316 !(Variable["coast.gary_discussed_seolite_tech"]  and  Variable["coast.gary_discussed_castigation"]) 314->316 315->49 316->249 317->86 318->345 346 Gary, the Cryptofascist: "Well, you see, the fascinating thing about it is that this temporal reversion is said to extend to anything *touching* the Semper Maa at the moment of reversal." 319->346 321 Variable["coast.gary_faschist_dq_pain_tresh_diving_suit_of_pain"] 320->321 322 !(Variable["coast.gary_faschist_dq_pain_tresh_diving_suit_of_pain"]) 320->322 321->255 322->272 323->58 324->57 326 Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_seolite_master_bad_material"] 325->326 327 !(Variable["coast.gary_fascha_dq_seolite_master_bad_material"]) 325->327 326->24 327->156 328->203 329->174 330->338 332 IsKimHere() 331->332 333 !(IsKimHere()) 331->333 332->252 333->29 334->193 335->208 336->289 337->69 338->73 338->74 338->91 338->290 341 You: "You really think the Seolites can really move *through* time?" 338->341 339->87 340->338 341->212 342->48 343->98 344->293 345->163 346->165 347 You: "So if I cover myself with this sentient mud..." 346->347 347->77 348 Kim Kitsuragi: A frustrated sigh. "I've been through this with you. I am *not*..." He changes his mind. "Just please make it quick, we're in the middle of a murder investigation, remember?" 349->204 350->107 351->122